Cristian Mena expected to make MLB debut against Dodgers

This season in Reno, Mena has led the Aces in strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP. The 21-year-old right-handed pitching prospect joined the Diamondbacks organization as part of the trade that sent Dominic Fletcher to the White Sox. Since then, Mena has consistently impressed in his outings with the Reno Aces, Arizona’s Triple-A affiliate. In his debut for the Aces, Mena pitched five shutout innings, allowing only two hits.

With Jordan Montgomery now on the 15-day IL with right knee inflammation, the Diamondbacks urgently need someone to step up in the starting rotation. Before Montgomery’s IL stint, the team was already without Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez. Arizona currently holds the second-worst team ERA in Major League Baseball.

Before the D-backs series opener against the Dodgers on Tuesday, Torey Lovullo commented on the possibility of Mena making his debut against LA. Lovullo noted, “He [Mena] deserves the opportunity.”

Video credits to @PHNX_Dbacks

The Diamondbacks lost 6-5 to the Dodgers in their series opener. Down by one run with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, Los Angeles pieced together three straight hits, including two doubles, to walk off Arizona. It was the first time Paul Sewald had allowed any runs since his season debut in late May.